John Davis
April 24, 1940 — October 23, 2015
John Edward Davis-
Born in Washington, DC April 24, 1940. Died of complications following surgery Clarksville, TN October 23, 2015. Burial rites and interment 10 a.m. on Veterans Day, November 11 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 317 Franklin Street. Reception and visitation to follow in the adjoining parish house.
John was educated in the DC public schools graduation from Eastern High School, attended the University of Virginia, Charlottesville and earned his graduate degree at the University of Arizona under the renowned learning disabilities specialist, Samuel Kirk.
His varied career with the federal government ranged from experience with the Border Patrol of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to special assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Special Education Programs of the U.S. Department of Education. His career also included several years at the Council for Exceptional Children.
During the 1970s, John's adventuresome spirit led him to travel by Land Rover from London to Nepal as a participant in a trek to base camp at Mount Everest. Following this he managed the Everest View Hotel in Katmandu.
A voracious collector of historical Americana, he assembled an impressive collection of Presidential inaugural memorabilia, much of which was obtained from his personal participation in every presidential inauguration over half a century. With his earliest participation as an Eagle Scout to later as a professional member of the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
Christmas, in all it's holiday manifestations, was an obsession. He amassed an extraordinary collection of ornaments with which he decorated, as many as two-dozen trees in his Victorian Capital Hill home where holiday open houses were notorious for good food and cheer. He continued this tradition in Clarksville, TN.
Masonic work was an important commitment throughout his adult life. He was a 32nd degree Mason and Master of his Capitol Hill lodge. He was active in The International Order of Odd Fellows.
John moved to the West Glenwood area of Clarksville, July 2011. He trained as a master gardener and developed a yard and garden showcase with a broad range of trees, flowers, shrubs and ornamental artifacts.
John's friendships were many and lifelong. His kindness and generosity, as well as the quest for new knowledge and skills, made him welcome in every community privileged to know him.
Donations may be made to:
The Customs House Foundation
P.O. Box 383
Clarksville TN 37041